Ljubovija is an urban area of western in the Valley. It is a town on the Ljubovidja river, at the mouth of the Drina river surrounded by hills Kik, Nemic and Krsino brdo. municipality is a hilly-mountainous area separated from the Republic of Srpska and and municipalities by the Drina river in the length of 38 km. It covers an area of 365 km2 and borders the following municipalities: Bajina Basta, , Osecina, and Mali . The population of the municipality is about 14 500 and the population of the Ljubovija municipality centre is about 4 000 people. Lubovija covers an area that been inhabited since the prehistoric and ancient times which is evidenced by numerous archaeological sites. By the decree of Prince Milan Obrenovic on 3rd June 1871, Ljubovija became a town. The development of tourism in the region is directed towards the development of rural and religious tourism, sports and recreational (hunting, fishing, hiking, para-gliding, cycling) and recreational waterway or event tourism. Azbukovica region The Azbukovica is a region in western Serbia between the Drina river on one side and the mountains Sokolska and Povlen on the other side. The administrative centre of the region is Ljubovija town with the population of about 4 000 people. To live in the Azbukovica is an advantage because the people here are born in harmony with nature. The reason why people visit this region is the nature itself and the hospitality of its residents. The Drina river

The Drina river, a paradise for fishermen and lovers of rafting, flows through Azbukovica region in the length of 38 km. The Drina river is formed by the union of the Piva and rivers in Scepan Polje, beneath the Durmitor mountain range in Montenegro. The water of the Drina river belongs to the Black Sea basin. Its upper part has distinct characteristics of a mountain stream and its lower part, especially downstream of , it has characteristics of a lowland river. The Ljubovija municipality area is located in the middle part of the Drina basin.

According to tradition, until the fifth century, due to its green colour the Drina was called “Zelenika” or “Zelenka”. Back in 1463 when the Turks led by Mehmed Fatih conquered the territory of today and a horse drowned whilst crossing the Drina, to which the Sultan said: “Bu su derin” meaning “this water is deep”. Hence the word “derin” eventually became the name of the river - Drina. The unruly mountain river Drina, as seen from numerous vantage points resembles a thin green line cut into the massive canyon. Translucent clear, green water in the canyon is frightening and tamed in the valleys which attracts by the beauty of its banks and the richness of its water world. This is a right place for the lovers of nature and fishing. The Drina river has the highest quality of fish and this is probably still the only river with an extremely rare trout species (Hucho hucho). Adult samples of this trout flow from the Drina river to the Tresnjica river to spawn. Small and Big Town In a place Gornja Tresnjica there are the remains of a very old fort which period of the foundings is not known. A Small Town has irregular foundation adjusted to the terrian with a donjon oval tower. In some places its height is up to 7m. On the north elevation, very steep and difficult to access from any side, but with a good view of the valley Tresnjica, there are the ruins of the Big Town. The pottery findings in the Small Town belong to the Middle Ages. The remains of the town are located about 6km away from the Drina river on an old road that led from the villages The Tresnjica canyon of the area to Valjevo.

The Tresnjica river originates in the southwest side of the Povlen mountain at an altitude of 1185 m and flows into the Drina at the location known as Gornja Tresnjica at an altitude of 180 m. Extreme cliffs of the Tresnjica valley partially resemble a canyon. Its middle part flows through the picturesque canyon in the length of nearly 6 km which is cut into the surface 800 – 1 000 m high. The largest left tributaries of the Tresnjica river canyon are Susica and Tribuca. The Tribuca tributary is the richest in water, about 7 km long, originating under the Tornicka Bobija mountain. Its lower part separates the plateau Boskovac from the area Gornje Koslje thus building a nearly impenetrable gorge attractive for hikers. It is characteristic that the trout, known as the queen of the Drina, come to the Tresnjica canyon to spawn in the natural way. There is also a full pond system for the California trout on the Tresnjica river. The application of modern technology based on inserting the liquid oxygen into the water which tripled the annual production is unique in Serbia. The Tresnjica canyon is a natural resource of great importance which is under protection to preserve the habitat of the rare natural population of griffon vulture. One of the most beautiful canyons is a habitat of 25 pairs of the griffon vulture which still resides only in the canyon. This is the largest bird of prey in this area fed only by the remains of dead animals and due to its great sanitary role it is called an “emperor of height and the cleaner of nature”. The griffon vulture is an endangered species threatened with extinction and the environmentalists are doing everything on preventing that. The female lays only one egg during a year and for this reason it is extremely hard to protect and preserve it from extinction. Bobija mountain

At about 25 km from Ljubovija municipality rises an impressive mountain Bobija, the highest peak Tornicka Bobija is 1272 m above the sea level.

The mountain is very rich in fresh drinking water. The most famous spring is called Dobra voda (good water). Due to the diversity of terrain, flora and fauna, the area is perfect for hunters, hikers and picnickers. All trails are marked for hikers.

A small building of “Srbijasume”, a public enterprise for forest management, and a wooden church “Dobre vode” are also located on the mountain.

The canyons of the rivers Tribuca, Tresnjica and Susice are nearby too. Roman bridge It is situated on the Ljubovidja river, dates back to the Roman period. The present bridge is from the Turkish period. Though built in the Roman times it still serves its purpose. The bridge was built in the form of arc, it was made of stone, and the molten lead taken from a nearby mine was used instead of mortar. The Roman bridge, also known as “Latin bridge”, was built on a former caravan route to Valjevo, in untouched nature surrounding on the clean Ljubovidja river.

The Mackov kamen Mountain Height It is located on the mountain Jagodnja. It was a bloody scene of the fighting between Serbian and Austrian armies in the First World War in 1914. The crypt was built in this place in honour of the veterans in 1932. Around 2 000 soldiers were killed in this battle. In the memory of the victims each year in September the municipalities Ljubovija and Krupanj hold a memorial service and historical lesson which brings together a large number of people, war veterans, and the representatives of state, military and cultural organizations. Each year on the first Sunday after St. Peter’s Day there is a national fair for numerous citizens of neighbouring municipalities: Krupanj, , Osecina, Loznica. The Mackov kamen is a place suitable for winter sports like skiing. Well maintained ski trails and mini-ski lifts provide the opportunity to enjoy the beauties of winter time. Hunting and Fishing

The Fishing Association of the General Organization of Sport Fishermen “Drina” was founded in 1951. There are three groups with around 400 members in the Association. The Drina river, which flows through the Azbukovica in the length of 38 km, is abiding with the presence of ichtyofauna: pike, barbel, trout, catfish, and in a great number there can be found some carp, chub and vimba. Trout come to the Tresnjica river to spawn during the late April and the members of the Association are engaged to restock the rivers and preserve the existing fish stock.

The Hunting Association “Mileta Polic – Bata” This Hunting Association was founded on 1st December 1900 in Ljubovija. It manages the hunting area “Bukovica” of about 35 624 ha. It lies along the Drina river in the length of 35 km on one side and the mountain ranges like Bobija, Medvednik, , Mackov kamen and Rozanj on the other side. There are numerous deeply carved waterways in this area between which the steep and almost vertical rock valley and ravines rise and canyon like craters, only to mention the canyon of the rivers Tresnjica and Trivuca with the special nature reserve and the northernmost colony of griffon vulture. The following species live in the hunting area “Bukovica”: deer, wild boar, rabbit, pheasant, partridge. Besides these wild species, the hunting area is the residence of a considerable number of birds, permanently protected, rare or endangered species like: otter, bear, ermine, weasel, several species of hawks and eagles, and some other species which are not protected. The hunting area “Bukovica” has excellent conditions for hunting tourism, summer season for deer hunting and winter season for wild boar hunting. Sports and Recreation

Fans of rafting, fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, para-gliding and walking can all enjoy in numerous opportunities of this natural beauty and tranquility in Azbukovica region. The Drina river as the greatest natural resource of this region flows through the Azbukovica in the length of 38 km. It provides great opportunities for the development of sports and recreational tourism. The organization of rafting and downhill race in boats in the water of the Drina provides unforgettable impressions to all fans. Hikers have an opportunity to meet beautiful countryside of the Azbukovica region by following marked trails on the mountains. Not far from Ljubovija there is the Bobija mountain which highest peak is called Tornicka Bobija (1272 m). Because of the beautiful terrain, rich flora and fauna, numerous springs of fresh water, we recommend this place for hikers, hunters and all other people who want to escape the urban life. The mountain is incredibly beautiful and appropriately arranged without interfering natural balance. Nearby there are the canyons of Tribuca, Susica, Ljubovidja and Tresnjica rivers. On the mountain there is a small building of the “Srbijasume”, and a wooden church near Dobre vode location. The canyons of Tresnjica, Tribuca, Susice and Ljubovidja rivers influenced the development of canyoning, a branch of adventure tourism. The regatta

The regatta on the Drina river in Ljubovija is tradition for over a decade. The pioneers of this event descended the first time the Drina river on the second Saturday of July in 2001. The event consisted of only a few boats in the first year, but year after year the number grew to more than 1 000 boats and vessels and over 20 000 participants in the water. The event is now traditionally held on the second Saturday each July and it provides the opportunity for an unforgettable fun. The participants can find accommodation in rural tourism and facilities around Ljubovija. The Drina regatta is a travel brand, a trademark of the small town Ljubovija, a mark on the tourist map of Serbia. Rural tourism

Famous for its numerous natural beauties and its environment, Ljubovija is included in the tourist offer of Serbia. Clean air, healthy food, clean mountain water, rivers, forests, and mountains are our tourist offer. The surrounding villages of Azbukovica region are rich in natural beauty and conditions for the development of mountain tourism, sports and recreation, religious, rural and hunting tourism. A large number of households in the villages of Azbukovica region are willing to provide accommodation within the tourism and the settlements by the Drina river already have accommodation capacities with classification. First accommodation services were offered by the households in villages , Vrhpolje and Gornje Koslje, and then in other villages, too. A typical representative of rural tourism is an ethno village Vrhpolje, about 8 km away from Ljubovija. There is a possibility of accommodation of around 50 guests here in “vajat”, a small wooden house with no windows, which can be found in this ethno village. It is important to mention a house in the hamlet Bijele vode which is made in the old Serbian style of Karadjordje Ristanovic, an architect engaged in the development of the house project awarded with the first prize. Churches and Monasteries

On the territory of Azbukovica region there are 13 churches and 4 monasteries. The data indicate the importance of religion in this region. Sacred objects are well preserved. The basis of the most churches is in the shape of a cross.

THE COUNCIL OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES CHURCH – village This is a wooden church with interesting relics. The date of its construction cannot be determined with certainty but some experts believe that it is old for more than 200 years. There are numerous icons in the church and four of them are under the state protection having thus a special value. Near the church there is a bell tower and a saluting gun whose origin nobody knows. It is known however that it usually sounds shooting on Christmas Eve.

THE CHURCH OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION – Ljubovija The construction of this church started in 1932 with the consecration of the cornerstone by the Bishop Mihailo and it lasted for seven years. The church was built in the Moravian style. Fifteen wall icons in al secco technique were painted by professor Archimandrite Nikodim Brkic from in 1968. In July and August 1975 the church was covered with copper. Within the church there is a parish house too.

THE CHURCH OF HOLY APOSTLES PETER AND PAUL – Selanac village There are no data on when the church was built but it is assumed that it originates from the thirteen century. It was restored in 1816 and it is now under the protection of the Institute for Protection of Cultural Heritage. There is a crypt inside the church – a burial place of priests, and a legend says that it is a burial place of a priest’s wife who lived 110 years. THE HOLY TRINITY MONASTERY – Bijele vode This monastery is located in a hamlet Bijele vode about 6.5 km away from Ljubovija. It was built by a donator Karadjordje Ristanovic and his wife and six children who gave it to the management of the Serbian Orthodox Church with the blessing of the Bishop of Sabac, Mr. Lavrentije. The monastery began its service in 2005 with the arrival of Father Seraphim (Petkovic), an abbot, and since that time the divine liturgy is served in the monastery each day with both morning and evening prayers, and a special prayer for the sick, known as “jeloosvecenje”, each Friday at 06:00 in the evening. The monastery also keeps the cover from the relics of Saint Petka, a gift of His Holiness Patriarch Daniel of Romania.

THE HOLY MARTIR MARINE – OGNJENA MARIJA MONASTERY in village The monastery is from modern times. It is located in the middle of the road linking Ljubovija and Krupanj municipalities, between Rujevac and Postenja villages. It was built during the war in the former Yugoslavia since 1991 to 1994 by the efforts of local people and the people of good will. By the decision of the Bishop of Sabac, Mr. Lavrentije the church was founded a female monastery in 2010.

THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY MARTIR PRINCE LAZAR – Savkovic hamlet (Bobija mountain) The church was built in 1944. The foundation of the church is made of stone, the walls and roof of wood. The church was blessed by the parish Archpriest of Orovica area, Teodor Karasjov, and with the blessing of the Bishop of Sabac and Valjevo regions, Mr. Simeon, on 11th June 1946.

THE HOLY TRINITY MONASTERY – Citluk The monastery was built before the during which time the monastery was demolished. It was rebuilt in 1814 and 1878, and the present church was built in 1966. Some time later, a residence was built in this area which was eventually converted into a monastery. The monastery keeps the relics of the holy Five Companions – St. Martyrs Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugene, Mardarius and Orestes. ST. NICOLAI THE SERBIAN MONASTERY –

The monastery which is located under the old town Soko Grad near Ljubovija is dedicated to the holy bishop Nikolai Velimirovic and was built by His Holy Grace Bishop of Sabac region Lavrentije. The construction began in 1993. The imposing monastery complex was built in the late XX and early XI centuries. On the cliff above the monastery a gilded cross was erected. A monument to Bishop Nikolai is built above the monastery and on the road that leads from the monastery to the cross on the cliff there are 10 stone chapels with inscribed commandments. Each summer an international event called “Moba” is organized in the monastery which brings together young people from the Diaspora. ICS “Idila”...... 015/560-277 ICS “Boem” ...... 063/76-11-146 ICS “Grand” ...... 015/560-500 Restaurant “Raketa” ...... 015/561-003, 562-206 Ethno village Vrhpolje ...... 069/423-6-573 Restaurant “Zelena stena” ...... 063/375-360, 064/95-23-144

RESTAURANTS AND ROOMS

ICS “Soko grad” ...... 015/561-891 ICS “Lovacki dom” ...... 015/562-999 ICS “Tri sesira” ...... 015/562-247 ICS “Panorama” ...... 015/560-053

COFFEE BARS

Coffee bar“Castle” ...... 015/562-517 Coffee bar“Victoria” ...... 062/88-70-484 Pizzeria “Novak” ...... 015/561-911 Coffee bar and Discotheque“Don Pacco” ...... 069/24-81-000, 062/788-788 Coffee bar“Siesta” ...... 069/667-057 Coffee bar“Incognito” ...... 062/887-15-35 Sport coffee bar...... 066/65-06-565 Gastro festival

Gastro festival is the second most important event of the Ljubovija municipality. It takes place each year on the second Saturday of May and it brings together a number of participants from all around Serbia and abroad. The event is very significant for tourism in this municipality. Contestants compete in the preparation of fish soup, ethnic food, modern cuisine and bakery, confectionery and carving. A diverse cultural and entertaining programme is organised for all the participants and visitors.